Since I started college in the fall of 2008, I have spent endless hours looking for internships in the sport of soccer. Most internships are with Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. Each internship has requirements for potential candidates. I found that the following five requirements are crucial for aspiring interns applying to Major League Soccer.
1. Communication skills-
Employers want to hire interns with oral and written communication skills. Most interns at one time or another will be working on a computer. Whether it’s an operations or marketing internship, there will be times when written communication skills come into play. Some examples are writing emails and creating business notes. Oral communication skills will always come into play. Simply talking to employees, possibly dealing with team personnel and players, and working with fans are examples of oral communication skills. Effective communication is crucial in Major League Soccer organizations.
2. College Credit-
Major League Soccer internships require the intern to receive college credit for their time with the team. The reason college credit is required is simply because internships are not paid. Whether three or twelve credits, as long as college credits are received, the student will qualify for an internship.
3. Loyalty –
If there’s one thing every Major League Soccer organization looks for in an intern, it’s loyalty. Interns will be in the office and around the team. They’ll hear news about current players, potential roster moves, team personnel, and even sponsor deals. This information has to stay on the job. Information that interns know cannot be shared with family or friends simply because it could be leaked to the public. So a team needs to feel comfortable that an intern understands the importance of keeping team information to themselves.
4. Knowledge and Passion for the Sport of Soccer-
An intern will need to know the ins and outs of the sport of soccer. Interns will be around the players and team staff every day. Having a passion for soccer will keep an intern focused and interested in their daily duties. Wanting to come to work every day makes the office a better place for all employees.
5. Reliability –
Interns must be available five days a week, most often on Saturday as the sixth day. When a full-time employee is out of the office, an intern often fills in for them. Interns must be available at all times. There is always the possibility of being called into the office to work. The reason interns must be available on Saturdays is because that is when Major League Soccer games are played. In a sport where money is everything, you can never get enough free help during a televised event like an MLS game. If you’re not dependent, chances are you’re not inside material.
In a job market with limited opportunities, what student couldn’t use an advantage over other potential interns? These five needs are sought after by Major League Soccer organizations across the league. I hope this information will prove beneficial to those seeking internships in Major League Soccer. Internships lead to jobs, so what better opportunity to prove yourself?